Rockets have interest in vets Camby, Miller

In an expected strategy shift from last season’s emphasis on young prospects, the Rockets are interested in veterans Marcus Camby and Mike Miller, a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said Wednesday.

The 6-11 Camby, who finished the 2011-12 season with the Rockets and had hoped to finish his career in his adopted hometown, reached a buyout agreement with the Raptors on Wednesday. Camby, 39, went from the Rockets to the Knicks last summer in a sign-and-trade deal when the Rockets chose to rebuild around young players. He was sent to Toronto in the New York trade for Andrea Bargnani with two seasons and $7.5 million left on his contract.

The 6-8 Miller, who helped the Heat to consecutive NBA titles, was waived by Miami under the amnesty provision. He will be paid $12.8 million over the next two seasons by the Heat. Because the Rockets are over the salary cap, they could not put in a waiver claim, but if Miller clears waivers, they will seek to add him to their retooled roster.

The Rockets are expected to offer veteran minimum contracts to both players. The Rockets do have their “room” exception, worth $2.652 million in the first season, but plan to keep that available should it be needed during the season.

With the pending signings of free agents Francisco Garcia and Reggie Williams, the Rockets will have 15 players under contract.

Camby and Miller have been limited by injuries in recent seasons and would serve to provide the Rockets with veteran insurance if they can add them to the roster.
Camby, a 17-year veteran, played in just 24 games last season, averaging 1.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. A trade-deadline acquisition in 2011-12, he averaged 7.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in 19 games with the Rockets and often was praised by coach Kevin McHale for his defensive presence and veteran leadership.

Miller, a 13-year veteran, played in 59 regular-season games last season, averaging 4.8 points and 2.7 rebounds. He provided the Heat with a key lift in the NBA Finals, making 10 of 11 3-pointers in the first three games against the Spurs.